We need cameras on Formby beach says campaigner

A FORMBY man believes CCTV near River Alt danger spots could save lives.

Arthur Gelder, of Park Close, said a camera at or near the coastguard station could scan locations with quicksand from Crosby to Formby.

Arthur noticed a similar scheme is being implemented on Wirral shores which will watch over a three-mile area.

It will beam images directly to Environment Agency offices and also to the hand-held devices of patrolling officers.

Arthur said: “It would only need to scan two hours before the high AM tide and two before the PM tide.”

He believes there should also be notices at the Ainsdale access to the beach, at Freshfield National Trust car park, and Lifeboat Road car park telling people of the dangers.

Watch manager, Paul Parkes, of Crosby Coastguard Station, said: "From time to time we do make use of other agencies who have access to CCTV in certain areas, and ask them to have a look through their camera records for us.

"It would be hard to say for certain that this area in particular would require CCTV, as there are many areas across the Sefton coast where people become stuck. For instance, a couple have just been rescued on Crosby beach, but we don't have cameras there either."